Introduction

Consider Counseling

Saying "I Do:" Consider the Possibilities is not the same as counseling, nor is it intended to be counseling. Saying "I Do:" Consider the Possibilities provides education about marriage preparation and marriage strengthening. Through your participation in the course, you may be asked to talk about some difficult issues with your partner/spouse. This can be a difficult process and may lead to conflict before things improve. However, if you find your marriage or partnership in serious trouble, you are advised to seek counseling or therapy from a licensed and qualified mental health professional. To find a therapist near you please visit the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy's therapist locator website at www.therapistlocator.net or look under "Mental Health Services or Marriage Therapists/Counselors" in your local phone book.

If you decide to see a professional marriage counselor, here are some suggestions to consider:

• Shop around. Ask people you trust to help you locate a counselor or therapist.
• Look for the most qualified professional you can find and check out the person's professional training and experience.
• Interview prospective therapists to determine how well you think you will be able to work with them. You may want to check on their business hours, how much they charge per session, how the number of sessions will be determined, how progress is evaluated, whether they accept insurance claims, and whether they will see you individually or as a couple.
• Look for a professional whose personality and values are compatible with your own.
• If you are in an abusive relationship, the abusive partner should be urged to seek professional anger counseling. Couple counseling is not recommended when active abuse is occurring, especially if abuse will increase after personal issues are revealed during counseling. Abused partners may need to contact a local crisis center if they feel that their personal safety is at risk. They may also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) (TDD: 1-800-787-3224) or visit their website at www.ndvh.org